India’s longest funicular railway opens at Shri Malanggad, cuts two-hour climb to 10 minutes – all you need to know

India’s longest funicular railway at Shri Malanggad near Kalyan reduces a steep two-hour climb to a 10-minute scenic ride, improving access for pilgrims and tourists.

• India's longest funicular railway opens at Shri Malanggad, Maharashtra
• Pilgrims' 2-hour climb now a 10-minute rail ride, improving shrine accessibility
• Railway boosts tourism and benefits local livelihoods near Malanggad hill

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Reaching the revered Shri Malanggad shrine in Maharashtra has just become significantly easier. After decades of anticipation, India’s longest funicular railway was officially inaugurated on January 18, 2026, at Shri Malanggad near Kalyan, transforming what was once a strenuous two-hour climb into a smooth 10-minute ride.

The inauguration was led by MLA Kisan Kathore, who first proposed the project in 2004, along with MLA Sulabha Gaikwad. The launch marks a major step towards inclusive religious tourism, making the hilltop shrine accessible to senior citizens, children, and people with limited mobility.

   

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From 2,600 Steps to a Scenic Ride

Until now, pilgrims visiting Shri Malanggad—also known as Haji Malang Dargah—had to climb nearly 2,600 steep, rock-cut steps to reach the shrine. The ascent, carved into the rugged hillside, typically took close to two hours and was physically demanding, especially during peak pilgrimage seasons.

With the new funicular railway in place, the climb has been replaced by a comfortable, rail-based ascent, reducing travel time to just 7–10 minutes, with some trips completed in as little as four minutes depending on conditions.

The system can carry up to 120 passengers per trip and has an overall capacity of around 1,200 passengers per hour, helping ease crowd pressure during festivals and weekends.

A Project Years in the Making

The Malanggad funicular railway has had a long and challenging journey of its own. Although first proposed in 2004, construction began only in 2012 due to funding constraints and administrative delays. The project faced significant engineering challenges, given the steep, uneven terrain of Malanggad hill, which rises approximately 320 metres above the base.

While construction was completed last year, the inauguration was delayed by nearly a year as authorities awaited final safety clearances and technical approvals. The railway is now operated and maintained by a dedicated team of 70 trained personnel.

How the Funicular Railway Works

Unlike conventional trains, a funicular railway operates on a cable-driven system. Two carriages are connected by a single cable—when one carriage ascends the slope, the other descends simultaneously, acting as a counterweight. This design improves energy efficiency and allows smooth movement on steep gradients.

The Malanggad system is equipped with five layers of safety fail-safes, including automatic braking systems that activate even if manual controls fail, ensuring passenger safety throughout the journey.

Where Is Shri Malanggad Located?

Shri Malanggad, also known as Haji Malang Gad, is located near Kalyan in Maharashtra’s Thane district, on the outskirts of Mumbai. The hill fort rises to an elevation of approximately 2,590 to 3,200 feet above sea level and is divided into three levels—Pir Machi, Sone Machi, and the summit.

At the top lies the centuries-old shrine of Sufi saint Haji Malang, believed to date back to the 7th century. The site holds deep spiritual significance and is a symbol of communal harmony, attracting devotees of different faiths as well as trekkers and nature lovers from Mumbai, Thane, and Navi Mumbai.

How Visitors Reached the Shrine Earlier

Earlier, pilgrims had to travel around 20 kilometres from Kalyan railway station to the base of the hill using bus number 45, auto-rickshaws, or private vehicles. From there, the steep climb to the shrine began—an experience that was physically taxing and often unsafe during monsoons or crowded days.

The new funicular railway now eliminates this difficult ascent, making the pilgrimage safer, faster, and more accessible.

Ticket Prices and Operating Hours

The funicular railway operates daily from 8 AM to 8 PM.

Ticket prices (round trip):

Adults: Rs 150

Children: Rs 75

Parking charges at the base station:

Two-wheelers: Rs 20 for up to two hours

Cars: Rs 50 for up to two hours

To mark the launch, authorities offered free rides for the first two days of operations.

How to Book Tickets

Tickets for the Malanggad funicular railway are currently available only offline. Visitors must purchase tickets at the ticket counter located at the lower station on the day of their visit. There is no online booking facility at present.

Boost to Tourism and Local Livelihoods

Officials believe the new railway will not only improve safety and convenience for devotees but also boost tourism in the region. Increased footfall is expected to benefit local vendors and provide better livelihood opportunities for hundreds of families living around the hill.

For decades, a visit to Shri Malanggad meant preparing for a long and exhausting climb. With the launch of India’s longest funicular railway, that experience has been redefined—turning a once challenging pilgrimage into a smooth, inclusive, and time-efficient journey.